My wife is picking out her first cc gun, and does not know what to get. She equally likes the ruger lcr and lcp and she is looking for some firsthand advice on the two.
For my dollar, I'd rather have the LCR. Both are fine firearms, but my own opinion (which is worth what you've paid for it, and welcome to INGO, by the way) is that the .38 is an all-around better round than the .380
I can conceal a revolver in just about every situation. There are times where a thinner frame would be nice, but not nice enough for me to change what I do..
I agree with Bubbajms. Not only is the .38 a better round, but with the LCR having the ability to shoot .38+P, the round gets near 9mm performances, which just isn't going to happen with a .380 out of a short barrel. Besides, the revolver gives one more assures of reliability. Given the motivation/ reason to have a pocket gun, high reliability is a must and probably a precedent over round count.
Personally I would prefer the LCR. Does she have much experience shooting? Both are great guns, but I just prefer the LCR. That is just my opinion though and what is most important is that she likes it and is comfortable with it. If at all possible I would try to have her test as many guns as possible. I know several people that think the LCP is pretty snappy and they dont enjoy shooting more than 40 or 50 rounds each range trip. Good luck with the decision.
Thank you for such quick responses. She has very little experience shooting, and the only real issue we have with the revolver is the lack of a saftey.
I love the LCR. I am new to carrying a handgun, but when I place mine in its Stoner front pocket holster, it feels very "safe" to me-- by that I mean I feel like there is zero chance of accidentally pulling the trigger. On the other hand, I sometimes worry about my 9mm accidentally discharging as I place it into its IWB holster-- probably just my inexperience but just how I feel.
for the LCR!!! I have one and it's great (when my wife let's me have it back!!!)
Hornady, Federal, CorBon, Winchester, Remington, etc...all make a better .38+P round than anything you'll find in .380, period!!! If Personal Defense is the main concern, the .38+P will win out over a .380, hands down! I carry it in a pocket, hip holster, ankle holster, whatever I need for that day!!! I've owned 3 x .380's and I don't feel that it's up to par with a good .38 anytime!
You can't say enough about a good revolver for PD...they're reliable, effective, concealable, they have pull-point-n-shoot capability without having to do anything fancy like chamber a round, mess with a safety (I know, the LCP doesn't have a 'safety'), etc...but it's about revolvers.
Oh, and with the Hogue Tamer Grip (from the factory), it's much more enjoyable to shoot than the LCP!
One more thing about the LCR that you can't do with the LCP...you can replace the front sight with a Tritium Night Sight from XS Sights. It's only $68 shipped and you can do the swap yourself! I've got one on mine and it's great!!!
I'd choose the LCR, definetly. The 38 is a much better SD round. The revolver won't get gummed up riding in a purse and can be fired from inside a pocket.
This is like comparing apples and oranges though. Have her decide on auto or revolver first and then look at all the options, IMHO.
I haven't shot an LCR, but I have shot an LCP. I normally shoot .40 S&W in pistol, and a whole range of long guns, I have felt "pain" from quite a few sources, but nothing compares to the pain of the LCP. It physically hurt my hands to shoot it. It may be because I have bigger hands and can't get a comfortable grip, but it wasn't fun at all. As far as design, the slide is very hard to rack, the trigger is long and heavy, and for me the frame is too narrow.
I think the LCP is an awful gun, with a round that, while capable, has better and cheaper alternatives to it. I would go with the LCR even without having shot one. Just by looking at it, it looks more comfortable, and you cant be the simplicity of a revolver for a new shooter.
Neither has a safety - both have triggers that weigh a ton, which IS the safety = wash
To me, the LCR is the better option because has less parts to maintain AND less probability of malfunction, and if she's carrying it, less chance of malfunction is always good.
Another plus 1 on the LCR. Love mine! The recoil is very manageable with the Hogue tamers. It has one of the nicest factory triggers for a small frame revolver I've shot.